"Republicans
U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer: A politician Republicans love to hate as one of the most liberal in the U.S. Senate.
"House Speaker Nancy Pelosi: Public Enemy No. 1 to the national GOP as Republicans around the country give money to House races hoping she'll lose the majority and her podium.
Gubernatorial candidate Jerry Brown: A target Republicans still love to hate as "Governor Moonbeam" - and they'll aim to soften up his numbers and boost his negatives.
Climate change, health care: With voices like Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck egging them on, Republicans are fired up on two of President Obama's top agenda items.
Taxes and budget: The heart of the Tea Party agenda. State Republicans are pounding the "no new taxes" drum as they call for more cuts to close the budget gap.
Do away with the two-thirds majority to pass state budgets: Democrats who control both houses of the Legislature say the high bar blocks progress and the budget.
Win back the governor's office: Brown's backers say he'll get things done after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger struggled to make good on his vow to cut spending.
Fight budget cuts: Democrats say they won't accept more without a fight. Look for them to throw down the gauntlet.
Pass health care reform: Central to Obama's agenda, and a passionate motivator for the grassroots, look for the issue to drive Democrats.
U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer: A politician Republicans love to hate as one of the most liberal in the U.S. Senate.
"House Speaker Nancy Pelosi: Public Enemy No. 1 to the national GOP as Republicans around the country give money to House races hoping she'll lose the majority and her podium.
Gubernatorial candidate Jerry Brown: A target Republicans still love to hate as "Governor Moonbeam" - and they'll aim to soften up his numbers and boost his negatives.Climate change, health care: With voices like Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck egging them on, Republicans are fired up on two of President Obama's top agenda items.
Taxes and budget: The heart of the Tea Party agenda. State Republicans are pounding the "no new taxes" drum as they call for more cuts to close the budget gap.
Democrats
Keep the U.S. Senate majority: As Democrats work to pass health care reforms, the party faithful can't afford to lose a single seat, and Boxer will be their cause in California.
Do away with the two-thirds majority to pass state budgets: Democrats who control both houses of the Legislature say the high bar blocks progress and the budget.
Win back the governor's office: Brown's backers say he'll get things done after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger struggled to make good on his vow to cut spending.
Fight budget cuts: Democrats say they won't accept more without a fight. Look for them to throw down the gauntlet.
Pass health care reform: Central to Obama's agenda, and a passionate motivator for the grassroots, look for the issue to drive Democrats.